Robert E. ďBobĒ Shanes, 78, of Memphis, Missouri passed away October 3, 2005 at the Scotland County Care Center in Memphis, Missouri.

He was born July 17, 1927 in Keokuk, Iowa to John Sanford Shanes II and Lurena Rose Grinstead Shanes.

He attended Brock grade school and was a 1945 graduate of Memphis High School. Jobs he held during high school were at Benteco Grocery Store and for Coca-Cola unloading the route truck. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and served with the U.S. Navy on the LST #910 during World War II. He was stationed in Hawaii and the South Pacific. Following discharge from active duty, he joined the Naval Reserve for eight years as a Yeoman 2nd Class Petty Officer.

He enjoyed employment with the Park Rangers in Colorado after the war and then attended two years of college at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville. He moved to Keokuk, Iowa in 1947 and worked for Pepsi Cola and also for Union Electric. He was employed by Hoerner Boxes Inc. in the sales and ordering department for the next eight years.

In 1957, Bob moved back to Memphis to take over as the Assistant Secretary and Agent for Farmers Mutual Insurance Company from his father, John Shanes II. He lived with his father through April of 1966 and assisted with his care until Johnís passing in 1970.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Berneice Peck Thomson, at the First Christian Church in Memphis, Missouri on May 1, 1966. Of this union, Bob was the father of two daughters, Rose Mary who was born in 1967 and Brenda Kay Thomson.

In 1971, he was the President of the Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and was named to the Whoís Who in the Midwest in 1976. From 1989-1996 he acted as chairman of Special Gifts for the American Cancer Society. In 1991 he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the MAMIC Board Chairman and was installed into the MAMIC Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1996, he entered the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Merit Society. Over the years he also served on the Marion County Mutual Director Advisory Board and served as Director of the Memphis Senior Haven Inc. He was a 50-year member of the VFW Wallace W. Gillespie Post #4958.

Bob retired as the Farmers Mutual Secretary Manager in 1995 and after 40 years of service as the agent in 1998.

Bob was an avid Cardinal fan and always loved the opportunity to see his ďRedbirdsĒ in action. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, reading, writing letters, fishing, travel, being involved in the community and taking pictures. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of people and his thoughtfulness.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Memphis where he served as a Deacon, Secretary and Treasurer several terms.

He is survived by his wife Berneice; two daughters, Rose Mary Lumm and husband, David, of Orlando, Florida, Brenda Wilson and her husband, Buddie, of Memphis, Missouri; five grandchildren, Ryan Lumm, Andrew Lumm, Katelyn Lumm, Dr. Pashia Groom and her husband, Dr. Kevin Groom, of Pensacola, Florida, Shane Wilson and his wife, April, of Fulton, Missouri; and three great-grandchildren, Hadley Groom, Calloway Groom and Ian Wilson. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at the Memphis Funeral Home October 7, 2005 with Brother Jack Sumption officiating. Organist was Ann Luther and Joe Fulk was soloist.